List of Azerbaijanis

This is a list of notable Azerbaijanis — speakers of the Azerbaijani language, a Turkic language with deep roots in indigenous Iranian (Median) and Caucasian populations and later Oghuz Turkic influence. They predominantly live in the Iranian provinces of East and West Azerbaijan; Republic of Azerbaijan; southern Dagestan and Georgia; and parts of eastern Turkey (notably the provinces of Kars and Iğdır).

Azerbaijan

Academics

• Jafar Abdollahi-Sharif (born 1963), president of Urmia University of Technology

Actors

• Lutfali Abdullayev (1914–1973), actor
• Telman Adigozalov (1953–2010), actor
• Aliagha Aghayev (1913–1983), actor
• Alasgar Alakbarov (1910–1963), actor
• Mirzaagha Aliyev (1883–1954), actor
• Huseyn Arablinski (1881–1919), actor
• Sayavush Aslan (1935–2013), actor
• Mirza Babayev (1903–2003), actor and singer
• Shamsi Badalbeyli (1911–1986), theatre director and actor
• Leyla Badirbeyli (1920–1999), actress
• Hajibaba Baghirov (1932–2006), actor
• Bahram Bagirzade (born 1972), actor, entertainer, comedian and film director
• Rasim Balayev (born 1948), actor
• Afag Bashirgyzy (born 1955), actress
• Aghasadyg Garaybeyli (1897–1988), actor
• Hokuma Gurbanova (1913–1988), actress
• Nesrin Javadzadeh (born 1982), actress
• Javanshir Hadiyev (born 1969), actor
• Munavvar Kalantarli (1912–1962), actress and folk singer
• Aygün Kazımova (born 1971), actress and singer
• Fakhraddin Manafov (born 1955), actor
• Jeyhun Mirzayev (1946–1993), actor and film director
• Yashar Nuri (1951–2012), actor
• Hamida Omarova (born 1957), actress
• Hagigat Rzayeva (1907–1969), actress and singer
• Latif Safarov (1920–1963), actor and film director
• Barat Shakinskaya (1914–1999), actress
• Abbas Mirza Sharifzadeh (1893–1938), actor and film director
• Rza Tahmasib (1894–1980), actor
• Hasanagha Turabov (1938–2003), actor
• Eldaniz Zeynalov (1937–2001), actor
• Nasiba Zeynalova (1916–2004), actress

Archaeologists and anthropologists

• Jeyhun Hajibeyli (1891–1962), ethnographer and journalist
• Mammadali Huseynov (1922–1994), archaeologist
• Ishag Jafarzadeh (1895–1982), archaeologist and ethnographer

Architects

• Sadig Dadashov (1905–1946), architect
• Gasim bey Hajibababeyov (1811–1874), architect
• Mammad Hasan Hajinski (1875–1931), architect and statesman
• Mikayil Huseynov (1905–1992), architect
• Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi (1817–1910), architect
• Kamal Mammadbeyov (1924–1997), architect

Artists

• Mikail Abdullayev (1921–2002), painter
• Fuad Abdurahmanov (1915–1971), sculptor
• Azim Azimzade (1880–1943), painter and graphic artist and the founder of Azerbaijani satirical graphics
• Sattar Bahlulzadeh (1909–1974), impressionist painter
• Omar Eldarov (born 1927), sculptor
• Jalal Garyaghdi (1914–2001), sculptor
• Mirza Kadym Irevani (1835–1875), artist
• Bahruz Kangarli (1892–1922), painter, graphic artist and the founder of realistic easel painting of Azerbaijan
• Tokay Mammadov (1927–2018), sculptor
• Boyukagha Mirzazade (1921–2007), painter
• Rustam Mustafayev (1910–1940), scenic designer
• Togrul Narimanbekov (1930–2013), painter
• Vidadi Narimanbekov (1926–2001), painter
• Mir Mohsun Navvab (1833–1918), calligrapher, poet, artist, music historian, astronomer, carpenter, chemist and mathematician
• Maral Rahmanzade (1916–2008), graphic artist
• Alakbar Rezaguliyev (1903–1974), painter
• Tahir Salahov (1928–2021), painter
• Fuad Salayev (born 1943), sculptor
• Gayyur Yunus (born 1948), painter

Broadcasters

• Mirshahin Agayev (born 1963), TV presenter and journalist
• Leyla Aliyeva (born 1986), TV presenter
• Salatyn Asgarova (1961–1991), killed by Armenian militias
• Nargiz Birk-Petersen (born 1976), TV presenter
• Emin Efendi, TV presenter and record producer
• Rafig Hashimov, newscaster and screenwriter
• Chingiz Mustafayev (1960–1992), one of the most notable independent Azerbaijani journalists
• Sevinj Osmanqizi (born 1969), TV presenter, media personality, author and journalist

Businessmen

• Aras Agalarov (born 1955), businessman
• Farkhad Akhmedov (born 1955), businessman
• Vagit Alekperov (born 1950), businessman
• Shamsi Asadullayev (1840–1913), industrial oil magnate and philanthropist
• Nigar Kocharli (born 1975), bookshop chain owner
• Hafiz Mammadov (born 1964), businessman
• Mubariz Mansimov (born 1968), businessman
• Murtuza Mukhtarov (1865–1920), industrial oil magnate and philanthropist
• Musa Nagiyev (1849–1919), industrial oil magnate and philanthropist
• God Nisanov (born 1972), Jewish-Azerbaijani businessman; the youngest Azerbaijani billionaire
• Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev (1823–1924), industrial oil magnate and philanthropist
• Telman Ismailov (born 1956), Jewish-Azerbaijani businessman.
• Rahman Khalilov (born 1977), Russian and Azerbaijani businessman.

Clergy

• Ilgar Ibrahimoglu (born 1973), cleric and human rights activist
• Allahshukur Pashazadeh (born 1949), Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus
• Movlazadeh Mahammad Hasan Shakavi (1854–1932), religious leader, philosopher, alim, the first Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus, the first scholar who translated Quran into Azerbaijani language
• Sheikh Sardar Hajjihasanli
• Mirza Huseyn Afandi Qayibov (1830–1915), clergyman, literary critic, publicist, enlightener and Mufti of the Caucasus (1884–1917).
• Ahmad Huseinzadeh (1812–1887), third Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus, son of Mahammadali Huseinzadeh, maternal uncle of Ali bey Huseynzade.
• Fazil Iravani (1783–1885), second Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus.
• Mahammadali Huseinzadeh (1760–1852), first shia Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus from 1823 to 1852. Maternal grandfather of Ali bey Huseynzade.

Dancers

• Gamar Almaszadeh (1915–2006), first Azerbaijani ballerina
• Oksana Rasulova (born 1982), dancer, choreographer and actress
• Leyla Vakilova (1927–1999), ballerina

Engineers

Aerospace

• Tofig Ismayilov (1933–1991), aerospace scientist
• Kerim Kerimov (1917–2003), aerospace engineer

Fashion

• Sona Mehmandarova (born 1894), model
• Badura Afganli (born 1912), fashion designer
• Sophie Couture (born 1990), fashion designer
• Javidan Gurbanova (born 1990), model
• Aysel Manafova (born 1990), model

Film industry

• Arif Babayev (born 1928–1983), film director
• Yuli Gusman (born 1943), film director
• Robert Hossein (1927–2020), film director and actor
• Magsud Ibrahimbeyov (1935–2016), writer
• Rustam Ibragimbekov (1939–2022), writer and screenwriter
• Elchin Musaoglu (born 1966), film director
• Vagif Mustafayev (born 1953), film director, producer and screenwriter
• Rasim Ojagov (1933–2006), film director and operator
• Hasan Seyidbeyli (1920–1980), film director, dramatist and screenwriter
• Rza Tahmasib (1894–1980), film director and actor

Historians

• Igrar Aliyev (1924–2004), historian
• Sara Ashurbayli (1906–2001), historian, historian and scholar
• Abbasgulu Bakikhanov (1794–1847), writer, historian, journalist, linguist, poet, philosopher and founder of Azerbaijani scientific historiography
• Aydin Balayev (born 1956), historian
• Ziya Buniatov (1923–1997), historian and academician
• Jamil Hasanli (born 1952), historian and politician
• Mirza Jamal Javanshir (1773–1853), historian and politician
• Alexander Kazembek (1802–1870), orientalist, historian and philologist
• Tofig Kocharli (1929–2007), historian and politician
• Farida Mammadova (1936–2021), historian
• Mirza Adigozal bey (1780s–1840), historian of the 19th century, author of a historical work "Garabaghname"

Journalists

• Hasan bey Aghayev (1875–1920), journalist, doctor, teacher and politician
• Salatyn Asgarova (1961–1991), journalist
• Rena Effendi (born 1977), photographer
• Elmar Huseynov (1967–2005), journalist
• Osman Mirzayev (1937–1991), journalist, writer and publicist
• Ali Mustafayev (1952–1991), journalist
• Chingiz Mustafayev (1960–1992), journalist, National Hero of Azerbaijan.
• Omar Faig Nemanzadeh (1872–1937), journalist

Jurists and Lawyers

• Aslan bey Safikurdski (1881–1937), lawyer, Minister of Justice of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
• Aziz Seyidov (born 1956), lawyer, Justice of the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan.
• Dzhangir Kerimov (1923–2015), legal scholar, member of the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union and Professor of Law at the Azerbaijan Academy of Science.
• Farhad Abdullayev (born 1958), lawyer, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan.
• Ismat Gayibov (1942–1991), lawyer, Public Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan.
• Rustam Khan Khoyski (1888–1939), lawyer, Lieutenant General, Minister of Social Security of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
• Latif Huseynov (born 1964), lawyer, Justice of the European Court of Human Rights.

Military

• Feyzullah Mirza Qajar (1872–1920), commander in the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic and Imperial Russian Army
• Mehdigulu Khan Vafa (1855–1900), lieutenant colonel in the Imperial Russian Army
• Jafargulu agha Javanshir (1787–1867), major-general of the Russian Army
• Safar Abiyev (born 1950), army general
• Sona Nuriyeva (1915–1986), aviator
• Albert Agarunov (1969–1992), tank commander
• Sadykh bey Aghabekov (1865–1944), army general in the Russian Imperial Army, founder and reformer of Azerbaijani Police and orientalist
• Riad Ahmadov (1956–1992), military officer
• Avraamy Aslanbegov (1822–1900), vice–admiral and military writer
• Hazi Aslanov (1910–1945), army general
• Allahverdi Baghirov (1946–1992), officer and football coach
• Farrukh Gayibov (1891–1916), first Azerbaijani military pilot during World War I
• Alif Hajiyev (1953–1992), officer
• Zakir Hasanov (born 1959), army general
• Fatulla Huseynov (1937–2004), colonel, politician and public figure
• Tofig Huseynov (1954–1992), major
• Mehdi Huseynzade (1918–1944), guerrilla fighter in Yugoslavia and Italy during World War II
• Mubariz Ibrahimov (1988–2010), warrant officer
• Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov (1920–1994), activist of French Resistance
• Rovshan Javadov (1951–1995), influential military activist, public figure
• Asif Maharramov (1952–1994), lieutenant colonel
• Leyla Mammadbeyova (1909–1989), first Azerbaijani female aviator and the first female pilot in Southern Europe and the Middle East
• Eldar Mammadov (1968–1993), officer
• Israfil Mammadov (1919–1946), military commander
• Samedbey Mehmandarov (1855–1931), army general and politician
• Hussein Khan Nakhichevanski (1855–1931), Cavalry General and General–Adjutant
• Jamshid Nakhichevanski (1863–1919), Russian Imperial, Azerbaijani and Soviet military commander
• Ali-Agha Shikhlinski (1895–1938), army general and politician
• Ibrahim bey Usubov (1872–1920), military commander
• Polad Hashimov (1975–2020), major general (2019), and National Hero of Azerbaijan
• Anar Aliyev (1980–2020), lieutenant colonel and Hero of the Patriotic War
• Hikmat Mirzayev, lieutenant general of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and Hero of the Patriotic War.
• Zakir Hasanov, Colonel General, Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan since 2013.
• Ramiz Jafarov (1974–2020), lieutenant colonel and Hero of the Patriotic War
• Tehran Mansimov, colonel and senior leader in the Special Forces.

Musicians

Composers

• Franghiz Ali-Zadeh (born 1947), composer
• Fikret Amirov (1922–1984), composer
• Rafig Babayev (1937–1994), composer, jazz pianist and singer
• Afrasiyab Badalbeyli (1907–1976), composer, conductor and music critic; the author of music and the libretto of the first Azerbaijani Ballet and the first ballet in the Muslim East
• Tofig Bakikhanov (born 1930), composer
• Amina Figarova (born 1964), jazz composer and pianist
• Salman Gambarov (born 1959), composer and jazz pianist
• Gara Garayev (1918–1982), composer
• Tofig Guliyev (1917–2000), composer
• Soltan Hajibeyov (1919–1974), composer
• Uzeyir Hajibeyov (1885–1948), composer, conductor, scientist, publicist, playwright, teacher, translator, and social figure; the first Muslim author of an opera
• Rauf Hajiyev (1922–1985), composer and politician
• Muslim Magomayev (1885–1937), composer, one of the founders of Azerbaijani classical music
• Arif Malikov (1933–2019), composer
• Eldar Mansurov (born 1952), composer
• Vagif Mustafazadeh (1940–1979), composer and jazz pianist and the founder of Azerbaijani jazz
• Emin Sabitoglu (1937–2000), composer, music editor
• Ali Salimi (1922–1997), composer and tar player
• Alakbar Taghiyev (1922–1981), composer
• Aziza Mustafa Zadeh (born 1969), singer, composer, pianist

Singers

• Safi al-Din al-Urmawi (1216–1294), musician and writer on the theory of music
• Aghakhan Abdullayev (born 1950), mugham singer
• Emin Agalarov (born 1979), singer
• Fatma Mukhtarova (1893–1972), opera singer (mezzo-soprano), Honorary Artist of Georgia, and People's Artist of Azerbaijan
• Ahmed Agdamski (1884–1954), folk and opera singer
• Ogtay Aghayev (1935–2006), singer
• Franghiz Ahmadova (1928–2011), opera singer
• Shovkat Alakbarova (1922–1993), singer
• Sevda Alakbarzadeh (born 1977), jazz singer
• Dinara Aliyeva (born 1980), singer (soprano)
• Safura Alizadeh (born 1992), singer
• Rauf Atakishiyev (1925–1994), singer, pianist, singer–soloist and scholar
• Mashadibaba Aydamirov (1971–2011), meykhana performer
• Elchin Azizov (born 1975), opera singer and entertainer
• Rashid Behbudov (1915–1989), singer, actor
• Bulbul (1897–1961), folk and opera singer and one of the founders of Azerbaijani national musical theater
• Bulbuljan (1841–1927), mugham singer
• Polad Bulbuloglu (born 1945), singer-songwriter and actor
• Aghasalim Childagh (1930–2008), meykhana performer
• Brilliant Dadashova (born 1965), singer
• Rashad Daghly (born 1984), meykhana performer
• Huseyn Derya (1975–2014), rapper
• Jabbar Garyagdyoglu (1861–1944), mugham singer
• Eldar Gasimov (born 1989), singer and actor
• Fidan Gasimova (born 1947), opera singer
• Fidan Haciyeva (born 1976), opera singer
• Khuraman Gasimova (born 1951), opera singer
• Gulkhar Hasanova (1918–2005), opera singer
• Hajibaba Huseynov (1919–1993), mugham singer
• Mansum Ibrahimov (born 1960), mugham singer
• Lutfiyar Imanov (1928–2008), opera singer
• Akif Islamzade (born 1948), pop singer
• Flora Karimova (born 1941), pop music singer, civil rights activist, and People's Artist of Azerbaijan.
• Aygün Kazımova (born 1971), pop singer, actress
• Dilara Kazimova (born 1984), singer and actress
• Zeynab Khanlarova (born 1936), singer and politician
• Muslim Magomayev (1942–2008), opera, pop singer and composer
• Sakhavat Mammadov (1953–1991), folk and mugham singer
• Yagub Mammadov (1930–2002), mugham singer
• Nazakat Mammadova (1944–1981), folk and mugham singer
• Anar Nagilbaz (born 1974), rapper, actor
• Alim Qasimov (born 1957), mugham singer
• Farghana Qasimova (born 1979), mugham singer
• Nizami Ramzi (1947–1997), meykhana performer
• Gadir Rustamov (1935–2011), mugham singer
• Huseyngulu Sarabski (1879–1945), opera singer, composer, playwright, actor, producer and musician
• Adalet Shukurov (born 1966), singer
• Khan Shushinski (1901–1979), mugham singer
• Seyid Shushinski (1889–1965), mugham singer
• Aysel Teymurzadeh (born 1989), singer
• Elshad Xose (born 1979), rapper
• Eyyub Yaqubov (born 1965), singer
• Miri Yusif (born 1977), rapper and singer
• Sami Yusuf (born 1980)‚ singer-songwriter
• Aziza Mustafa Zadeh (born 1969), jazz singer and pianist
• Diana Hajiyeva (born 1989), singer-songwriter
• (born 1978), singer-songwriter, meykhana, performer

Instrumental musicians

• Habil Aliyev (1927–2015), kamancha player
• Farhad Badalbeyli (born 1947), pianist and composer
• Kamil Jalilov (1938–2022), oboe player
• Bahram Mansurov (1911–1985), tar player
• Shahin Novrasli (born 1977), jazz pianist
• Gurban Pirimov (1880–1965), tar player
• Sadigjan (1846–1902), tar player and the inventor of the Azerbaijani tar
• Alihan Samedov (born 1964), balaban player
• Isfar Sarabski (born 1989), jazz pianist
• Rain Sultanov (born 1965), saxophonist
• (born 1989), virtuosi tar player

Philosophers

• Seyid Yahya Bakuvi (1410–1462), philosopher
• Max Black (1909–1988), philosopher
• Salahaddin Khalilov (born 1952), philosopher
• Adil Asadov (born 1958), philosopher
• Zaid Orudzhev (born 1932), philosopher
• Heydar Huseynov (1908–1950), philosopher and academician

Politicians

• Sultan Majid Afandiyev (1887–1938), politician and revolutionary
• Samad aga Agamalioglu (1867–1930), politician and revolutionary
• Ahmet Ağaoğlu (1869–1939), politician, publicist and journalist
• Ruhulla Akhundov (1897–1938), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Vali Akhundov (1916–1986), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Heydar Aliyev (1923–2003), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR and President of Azerbaijan
• Ilham Aliyev (born 1961), President of Azerbaijan
• Mehriban Aliyeva (born 1964), politician and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
• Elnur M. Allahverdiyev (born 1978), entrepreneur and politician who is a Member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan (VI convocation).
• Mahammad Asadov (1941–1991), politician
• Araz Azimov (born 1962), politician
• Kamran Baghirov (1933–2000), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Mir Jafar Baghirov (1896–1956), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Elmir Bagirov (born 1980), politician
• Govhar Bakhshaliyeva (born 1954), Vice Speaker of the Milli Majlis
• Abulfaz Elchibey (1938–2000), President of Azerbaijan
• Aslan bey Gardashov (1866–1920), politician
• Rasul Guliyev (born 1947), politician
• Vafa Guluzade (1940–2015), diplomat, political scientist and specialist in conflict resolution
• Kamaladdin Heydarov (born 1961), politician and composer
• Alisahib Huseynov (born 1970), politician
• Mirza Davud Huseynov (1894–1938), Chairman of the Presidium of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR and First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Tajik SSR
• Tofig Ismayilov (1933–1991), politician
• Mammad Yusif Jafarov (1885–1938), politician
• Ali Karimli (born 1965), politician
• Khalil Khasmammadov (1875–1947), politician and diplomat
• Fatali Khan Khoyski (1875–1920), politician, attorney, and one of the founding leaders of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
• Anar Mammadkhanov (1970–2011), politician and social activist
• Gurban Mammadov (born 1959), politician and legal expert
• Ziya Mammadov (born 1952), politician
• Elmar Mammadyarov (born 1960), politician
• Asya Manafova (born 1941), politician
• Rasim Musabayov (born 1951), politician, political scientist and specialist in conflict resolution
• Gazanfar Musabekov (1888–1938), politician
• Imam Mustafayev (1910–1997), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Ayaz Mutalibov (1938–2022), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR and the first President of Azerbaijan
• Eldar Namazov (born 1956), politician
• Sabit Orujov (1912–1981), politician
• Ganira Pashayeva (born 1975), politician, public activist, journalist and poet
• Mammed Amin Rasulzade (1884–1955), statesman, scholar, public figure and one of the founding leaders of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
• Khosrov bey Sultanov (1879–1947), politician
• Ramil Usubov (born 1948), politician
• Abdurrahman Vazirov (1930–2022), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Mir Teymur Yaqubov (1904–1970), First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan SSR
• Nasib Yusifbeyli (1881–1920), publicist, statesman and one of the founding leaders of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
• Sinan Oğan (born 1967), Turkish politician

Political activists and leaders of rebellions

• Meshadi Azizbekov (1876–1918), revolutionary, of the 26 Baku Commissars and one of the first Azeri–Marxists
• Khanlar Safaraliyev (1878–1907), oil field worker, trade unionist and revolutionary social democrat
• Mir Hasan Vazirov (1889–1918), socialist–revolutionary, of the 26 Baku Commissars

Scientists and mathematicians

• Hasan Abdullayev (1918–1993), physicist, scientist and public official, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Azerbaijan SSR.
• Rasim Alguliyev (born 1958), doctor of technical sciences, active member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
• Aminaga Sadigov (born 1962), doctor of technical sciences, professor, the head of the Office of Science and Education of the Presidium of ANAS
• Ahliman Amiraslanov (born 1947), oncologist, professor and Rector of Azerbaijan Medical University
• Hamid Arasly (1902–1983), literary critic
• Firuddin Babayev (1929–1987), pathologist
• Anvar Chingizoglu (born 1962), historian, ethnologist and genealogist
• Jeyhun Hajibeyli (1891–1962), ethnographer
• Alemdar Hasanoğlu (born 1954), mathematician
• Ashraf Huseynov (1907–1981), mathematician, member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
• Nadir Ibrahimov (1932–1977), astronomer
• Hamlet Isakhanli (born 1948), mathematician and poet, founder and president of Khazar University
• Ishag Jafarzadeh (1895–1982), one of the pioneers of Azerbaijan archaeology and ethnography
• Kerim Kerimov (1917–2003), rocket scientist, one of the founders of the Soviet space industry, and for many years a central figure in the Soviet space program
• Yusif Kerimov (1926–1997), electrical engineer, inventor and former head of the Azerenergy
• Firudin bey Kocharli (1863–1920), philologist, writer and literary critic
• Yusif Mammadaliyev (1905–1961), chemist, was the president of the National Academy of Sciences of the Azerbaijan SSR
• Leyla Mammadbeyova (1922–2006), first female Azerbaijani pathologist and the first female forensic medical expert
• Faig Mammadov (1929–1987) agronomist
• Tamilla Nasirova (1936–2023), mathematician
• Zaid Orudzhev (born 1932), philosopher
• Mirali Qashqai (1907–1977), geologist
• Arif Salimov (born 1956), mathematician
• Farman Salmanov (1931–2007), geologist
• Ilham Shahmuradov (born 1958), geneticist
• Agabey Sultanov (1938–2007), psychiatrist, scholar and public activist
• Hajibey Sultanov (1921–2008), astronomer and former head of the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory
• Lotfi A. Zadeh (1921–2017), mathematician, electrical engineer, computer scientist, founder of the theory of fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic
• Marif Zeynalov (1934–2020), candidate of geology and mineralogy
• Anvar Gasimzade (1912–1969), architect, Honored Architect of the Azerbaijan SSR (1960), correspondent member of ANAS (1967), rector of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (1962–1968).
• Aghakhan Aghabeyli (1904–1980), Azerbaijani scientist in the field of genetics and animal breeding, doctor of agricultural sciences, professor, corresponding member of the VASKhNIL (now RAAS – Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences), honored worker of science of the Azerbaijan SSR. The founder of the doctrine of buffalo breeding.
• Lutfiyar Imanov (1922–1980), physicist, full member of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences (1976), pedagogue, Honored Scientist of the Azerbaijan SSR (1979).

Sports

• Asgar Abdullayev (born 1960), footballer and football manager
• Namig Abdullayev (born 1971), wrestler and Olympic champion
• Parviz Abdullayev (born 1986), professional kickboxer
• Ruslan Abishov (born 1987), footballer
• Emin Aghayev (born 1973), footballer and football manager
• Kamran Aghayev (born 1986), footballer
• Rafael Aghayev (born 1985), karateka
• Emin Ahmadov (born 1986), wrestler
• Mashalla Ahmadov (born 1959), footballer
• Samir Alakbarov (born 1968), footballer
• Vugar Alakbarov (born 1981), boxer
• Ahmad Alasgarov (1935–2015), footballer and football manager
• Tofig Aliyev (born 2004), athlete who competes in trampoline gymnastics
• Rauf Aliyev (born 1989), footballer
• Arif Asadov (born 1970), footballer and football manager
• Toghrul Asgarov (born 1992), wrestler and Olympic champion
• Irada Ashumova (born 1958), sports shooter
• Israfil Ashurly (born 1969), mountaineer
• Murad Ashurly (1973–2014), mountaineer
• Fuad Aslanov (born 1976), boxer
• Orhan Aydın (born 1989), basketballer
• Tofiq Bahramov (1925–1993), Azerbaijani linesman from 1966 World Cup final
• Rasim Başak (born 1980), basketball player
• Rovshan Bayramov (born 1987), wrestler
• Faig Garayev (born 1959), volleyball player and volleyball coach
• Vugar Gashimov (1986–2014), chess grandmaster
• Vali Gasimov (born 1968), footballer and football manager
• Natavan Gasimova (born 1985), volleyball player
• Ramil Guliyev (born 1990), sprinter
• Gurban Gurbanov (born 1972), footballer and football manager
• Mahmud Gurbanov (born 1973), footballer and football manager
• Boyukagha Hajiyev (born 1958), footballer and football manager
• Faiq Hasanov (born 1940), chess arbiter, coach and TV presenter
• Nazim Huseynov (born 1969), judoka and Olympic champion
• Yunis Huseynov (born 1965), footballer and football manager
• Ramin Ibrahimov (born 1978), judoka
• Shahin Imranov (born 1980), boxer
• Elchin Ismayilov (born 1982), judoka
• Isgandar Javadov (born 1956), footballer
• Vagif Javadov (born 1989), footballer
• Aygün Kazımova (born 1971), handball
• Sergey Kramarenko (1946–2008), footballer and football manager
• Rauf Mamedov (born 1988), chess grandmaster
• Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (born 1985), chess grandmaster
• Elnur Mammadli (born 1988), judoka and Olympic champion
• Aghasi Mammadov (born 1980), boxer
• Alakbar Mammadov (1925–2014), footballer
• Elkhan Mammadov (born 1982), judoka
• Fariz Mammadov (born 1980), boxer
• Ramiz Mammadov (born 1968), footballer and football manager
• Teymur Mammadov (born 1993), boxer
• Zemfira Meftahatdinova (born 1963), sport shooter and Olympic champion
• Aghasalim Mirjavadov (born 1947), footballer and football manager
• Rami Miron (born 1957), Israeli Olympic wrestler
• Olokhan Musayev (born 1979), athlete
• Oleg Panyutin (born 1983), athlete
• Nizami Pashayev (born 1981), weightlifter
• Zhala Piriyeva (born 2000), rhythmic gymnast
• Natali Pronina (born 1987), swimmer
• Teimour Radjabov (born 1987), chess grandmaster
• Jamal Rahimov (born 1987), equestrian
• Vidadi Rzayev (born 1967), footballer and football manager
• Rashad Sadygov (born 1982), footballer
• Vagif Sadygov (born 1959), footballer and football manager
• Sharif Sharifov (born 1988), wrestler and Olympic champion
• Samadagha Shikhlarov (1959–2021), footballer and football manager
• Mahir Shukurov (born 1982), footballer
• Nazim Suleymanov (born 1965), footballer and football manager
• Jeyhun Sultanov (born 1979), footballer
• Afag Sultanova (born 1987), judoka
• Zaur Tagizade (born 1979), footballer
• Kazbek Tuaev (born 1940), footballer and football manager
• Lala Yusifova (born 1996), rhythmic gymnast
• Ilham Zakiyev (born 1980), judoka

Writers

• Chingiz Abdullayev (born 1959), best–selling detective writer
• Elchin Afandiyev (born 1943), writer and politician
• Ilyas Afandiyev (1914–1996), writer
• Mirza Fatali Akhundov (1812–1878), writer, educator, philosopher; founder of Azerbaijani drama
• Suleyman Sani Akhundov (1875–1939), playwright, journalist, children's author and teacher
• Sakina Akhundzadeh (1865–1927), first female playwright and dramatist of Azerbaijani literature
• Mammad Araz (1933–2004), poet
• Vidadi Babanli (born 1927), writer, dramatist and translator
• Banine (1905–1992), writer
• Yusif Vazir Chamanzaminli (1887–1943), writer
• Mirvarid Dilbazi (1912–2001), poet
• Fikrat Goja (1935–2021), poet
• Madina Gulgun (1926–1991), poet
• Shikhali Gurbanov (1925–1967), writer
• Mahammad Hadi (1879–1920), poet
• Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev (1870–1930), playwright, stage director, politician and public figure
• Mehdi Huseyn (1909–1965), writer
• Ali bey Huseynzade (1864–1940), writer, philosopher, doctor and the creator of the modern flag of Azerbaijan
• Almas Ildyrym (1907–1952), poet
• Hamlet Isakhanli (born 1948), poet, writer, mathematician, historian of science, philosophy and culture and educator
• Jafar Jabbarly (1899–1934), writer
• Ahmad Javad (1892–1937), poet and best known for composing Azerbaijan's national anthem
• Jafargulu agha Javanshir (1787–1866), poet and major–general
• Huseyn Javid (1882–1941), poet and playwright, founder of the progressive romanticism in Azerbaijani literature
• Nusrat Kasamanli (1946–2003), poet
• Heyran Khanim (1790–1848), poet
• Jalil Mammadguluzadeh (1866–1932), satirist and writer
• Afag Masud (born 1957), writer
• Mikayil Mushfig (1908–1939), poet
• Khurshidbanu Natavan (1832–1897), poet
• Kamran Nazirli (born 1958), writer, translator and dramatist
• Mammed Said Ordubadi (1872–1950), writer
• Baba Punhan (1948–2004), poet
• Nigar Rafibeyli (1913–1981), writer
• Natig Rasulzadeh (born 1949), writer
• Suleyman Rustam (1906–1989), poet
• Rasul Rza (1910–1981), writer
• Anar Rzayev (born 1938), writer, dramatist and film director
• Mirza Alakbar Sabir (1862–1911), poet
• Elchin Safarli (born 1984), novelist and journalist
• Abbas Sahhat (1874–1918), poet and dramatist
• Bahar Shirvani (1835–1883), poet
• Seyid Azim Shirvani (1835–1888), poet
• Ismayil Shykhly (1919–1995), writer
• Manaf Suleymanov (1912–2001), writer, translator and historian
• Khalil Rza Uluturk (1932–1994), poet
• Mehdigulu Khan Vafa (1855–1900), poet and lieutenant colonel
• Molla Panah Vagif (1717–1797), poet and vizier Karabakh Khanate and the founder of realism in Azerbaijani literature
• Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh (1925–2009), poet
• Aliagha Vahid (1895–1965), poet
• Mirza Shafi Vazeh (1794–1852), poet
• Hashim bey Vazirov (1868–1916), writer, journalist and publisher
• Najaf bey Vazirov (1854–1925), novelist, playwright, theatrical figure and one of the founders of Azerbaijani theater
• Molla Vali Vidadi (1708–1809), poet
• Samad Vurgun (1906–1956), poet
• Gasim bey Zakir (1784–1857), poet
• Habibi (born 1470), poet
• Mirza Ali Khan La'li (1845–1907), writer, physician

Other notables

• Rovshan Aliyev (1955–2002), criminalist
• Rahilya Geybullayeva (born 1961), literary researcher
• Enver Mamedov (1923–2023), mass media manager
• Shirali Muslimov (1805–1973), supercentarian
• Hasan bey Zardabi (1837–1907), publicist and scholar
• Hamida Javanshir (1873–1955), Azerbaijani philanthropist and women's rights activist

Iran

Actors

• Behrouz Vossoughi (born 1938), actor
• Mohammad Reza Golzar (born 1977), actor and singer
• Rambod Javan (born 1971), actor

Artists

• Aydin Aghdashloo (born 1940), painter
• Haydar Hatemi (born 1945), painter

Businessmen

• Hassan Khosrowshahi (born 1940), businessman and philanthropist
• Reza Zarrab (born 1984), businessman

Clergy

• Haji-Mirza Hassan Roshdieh (born 1851), cleric, teacher, politician, and journalist. introduced some modern teaching methods in Iran, especially in teaching the alphabet.
• Mohammad-Taqi Ja'fari Islamic scholar and philosopher
• Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaei, Islamic scholar and philosopher
• Javad Gharavi Aliari (1935–2018), Twelver shi'a marja
• Abdolkarim Mousavi Ardabili (1926–2016), politician and Twelver shi'a marja
• Sadegh Khalkhali (1926–2003), hardline Shia cleric of the Islamic Republic
• Abul-Qassim Khoei (1899–1992), Twelver shi'a marja
• Fazel Lankarani (1931–2007), Twelver shi'a marja
• Ali Meshkini (1922–2007), cleric and politician
• Hassan Roshdieh (1851–1944), cleric and politician
• Mohammad Kazem Shariatmadari (1905–1986), Grand Ayatollah
• Allameh Tabatabaei (1903–1981), philosopher
• Abbas-Ali Amid Zanjani (1937–2011), hardliner theologian, politician and scholar
• Mousa Shubairi Zanjani (born 1928), Twelver shi'a marja

Filmmakers

• Jafar Panahi (born 1960), filmmaker

Journalists

• Reza Deghati (born 1952), photojournalist

Military

• Mehdi Bakeri (1954–1985), mayor during Iran–Iraq War
• Javad Fakori (1939–1981), army general and politician
• Abbas Gharabaghi (1918–2000), politician, military leader of Iran and the first Iranian to successfully pilot an aircraft
• Habibullah Huseynov (1910–1945), Soviet colonel and Hero of the Soviet Union
• Mohammad Taqi–Khan Pessian (1892–1921), military leader
• Yahya Rahim Safavi (born 1958), Major General, Chief commander of IRGC (1997–2007)
• Mohammad Bagheri (1960/1961–2025), Major General, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (2016–2025)

Musicians

• Hossein Alizadeh (born 1951), classical composer and folk musician
• Arash (born 1977), singer, dancer, entertainer and producer
• Aref Arefkia (born 1941), singer
• Faegheh Atashin (born 1960), singer and actress
• Davod Azad (born 1963), composer, Sufi vocalist and multi–instrumentalist
• Samin Baghtcheban (1925–2008), musician, composer, author and translator
• Dariush Eghbali (born 1951), pop singer
• André Hossein (1905–1983), composer
• Aygün Kazımova (born 1971), pop singer
• Fatma Mukhtarova (1893–1972), opera singer
• Rubaba Muradova (1930–1983), mugham and folk singer
• Hassan Sattar (born 1949), pop singer

Monarchy

• Tadj ol-Molouk (1896–1982), Queen consort of Iran

Politicians

• Gholam Reza Aghazadeh (born 1949), politician
• Mina Ahadi (born 1956), politician
• Mehdi Bazargan (1908–1995), politician
• Mahmudali Chehregani (born 1958), politician
• Piruz Dilanchi (born 1965), politician and poet
• Parviz Fattah (born 1961), politician
• Mir Bashir Gasimov (1879–1949), politician
• Ebrahim Hakimi (1863–1959), politician
• Mahmud Jam (1884–1969), politician
• Ali Khamenei (1939–2026), President of Iran and Supreme Leader of Iran
• Sadegh Mahsouli (born 1959), politician
• Mohsen Mehralizadeh (born 1955), politician
• Reza Moridi (born 1945), politician
• Mir-Hossein Mousavi (born 1942), politician
• Masoud Pezeshkian (born 1954), ninth and current president of Iran since 2024
• Ali Soheili (1896–1958), politician
• Amir Hatami (born 1965), defense minister of Iran

Revolutionaries

• Bagher Khan (1870–1911), constitutional revolutionary leader
• Haydar Khan e Amo-oghli (1880–1921), revolutionary and politician
• Sattar Khan (1866–1914), constitutional revolutionary leader
• Mohammad Khiabani (1880–1920), revolutionary, cleric and politician
• Ja'far Pishevari (1893–1947), the founder and chairman of the socialist Azerbaijan People's Government

Scientists

• Shahriar Afshar (born 1971), physicist and inventor
• Ali Murad Davudi (1922–1979), philosopher
• Ali Javan (1926–2016), physicist and inventor
• Ahmad Kasravi (1890–1946), linguist, historian, reformer, nationalist politician, author and philosopher
• Kazem Sadegh-Zadeh (born 1942), analytic philosopher

Sports

• Hossein Reza Zadeh (born 1978), weightlifter and double Olympic champion
• Ali Daei (born 1969), footballer and coach
• Rahim Aliabadi (born 1943), wrestler
• Javad Allahverdi (born 1954), footballer
• Sajjad Anoushiravani (born 1984), weightlifter
• Karim Ansarifard (born 1990), footballer
• Aziz Asli (1938–2015), footballer
• Karim Bagheri (born 1974), footballer
• Cyrus Dinmohammadi (born 1970), footballer
• Parviz Ghelichkhani (born 1945), footballer
• Yahya Golmohammadi (born 1971), footballer
• Yousef Karami (born 1983), taekwondo athlete
• Rasoul Khatibi (born 1978), footballer
• Saeid Marouf (born 1985), volleyball setter of national team of Iran
• Purya Fayazi (born 1993), volleyball player of national team of Iran
• Mohammad Navazi (born 1974), footballer
• Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi (born 1965), footballer
• Mohammad Paziraei (1929–2002), wrestler
• Hadi Saei (born 1976), taekwondo athlete and double Olympic and world champion
• Jafar Salmasi (1918–2000), weightlifter
• Aboutaleb Talebi (born 1945), wrestler
• Kimia Alizadeh (born 1998), taekwondo athlete and Iran's first female Olympic medalist

Writers

• Reza Baraheni (1926–2000), novelist, poet and politician
• Samad Behrangi (1939–1967), political writer
• Izzeddin Hasanoglu (13th–14th centuries), the founder of literature in Azerbaijani language
• Mirza Ibrahimov (1911–1993), writer, playwright, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR (1954–1958)
• Naser Manzuri (born 1953), novelist and linguist
• Iraj Mirza (1874–1926), poet and politician
• Ali Mojuz (1873–1934), satirical poet
• Seyid Abulgasim Nabati (1812–1873), poet
• Ebrahim Nabavi (born 1958), political journalist, satirist
• Ali Nazem (1906–1941), poet, writer and literary critic
• Mir Jalal Pashayev (1908–1978), writer and literary critic, honored scientist of Azerbaijan SSR
• Bulud Qarachorlu (1926–1979), poet
• Khasta Qasim (1684–1760), poet
• Hassan Roshdieh (1851–1944), teacher, politician, and journalist
• Gholam Hossein Saedi (1936–1985), writer
• Mohammad Hossein Shahriar (1906–1988), poet
• Qovsi Tabrizi (1568–1640), poet

Turkey

Actors

• Nesrin Cevadzade (born 1981), actress
• Tamer Karadağlı (born 1967), actor
• Nevra Serezli (born 1944), actress
• Mehmet Karaca, actor

Literature

• Ataol Behramoğlu (born 1942), poet, translator

Musicians

• Yusuf Aktaş, better known as Reynmen (born 1995), singer
• Edis Görgülü (born 1990), British-born Turkish singer of Azerbaijani origin
• Tuğba Ekinci (born 1976), pop singer
• Nuray Hafiftaş (born 1964), folk singer
• Cem Karaca (1945–2004), musician

Politicians

• Sinan Oğan (born 1967), politician
• Kıznaz Türkeli (born 1968), politician
• Ahmet Ağaoğlu (1869–1939), politician and journalist

Sports

• Vasıf Arzumanov (born 1988), wrestler
• Servet Çetin (born 1981), footballer
• Sinan Şamil Sam (born 1974), boxer
• Servet Tazegül (born 1988), taekwondo practitioner and Olympic champion

Other

• Süreyya Ağaoğlu (1903–1989), first female lawyer in Turkey
• Acun Ilıcalı (born 1969), TV producer, entrepreneur and president of Hull City A.F.C.

Georgia

Actors

• Govhar Gaziyeva (1887–1960), actress

Activists

• Dilara Aliyeva (1929–1991), women's rights activist and scholar

Artists

• Shamistan Alizamanli (born 1959), singer, poet and military speaker
• Geysar Kashiyeva (1929–1972), painter
• Hamlet Isakhanli (born 1948), mathematician, poet, social scientist, founder of Khazar University

Military

• Abdulhamid bey Gaytabashi (1884–1920), military general

Musicians

• Rashid Behbudov (1915–1989), singer and actor
• Khadija Gayibova (1893–1938), first Azerbaijani female pianist
• Shovkat Mammadova (1897–1981), first Azerbaijani opera singer
• Niyazi (1912–1984), musical conductor and composer
• Abdulla Shaig (1881–1959), poet and writer

Politicians

• Hasan Hasanov (born 1940), first Prime Minister of Azerbaijan
• Nariman Narimanov (1870–1925), politician, writer and Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Azerbaijan SSR
• Alimardan Topchubashev (1862–1934), politician, foreign minister and Minister of External Affairs of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918), Head of the Parliament in absentia of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918–1920)
• Raul Usupov (1980–2005), politician
• Peri-Khan Sofiyeva (1884–1951), Georgian deputy of Azerbaijani origin, the first Muslim woman to become a deputy, deputy of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918–1920)

Scientists, mathematicians, and medical professionals

• Hamlet Isakhanli (born 1948), mathematician, poet, social scientist, founder of Khazar University
• Nigar Shikhlinskaya (1871–1931), the first Azerbaijani nurse

Sports

• Farid Mansurov (born 1982), wrestler, Olympic champion
• Zabit Samedov (born 1984), kickboxer
• Ramila Yusubova (born 1989), judoka

Russia

Actors

• Marziyya Davudova (1901–1962), actress
• Shafiga Mammadova (born 1945), film and theater actress
• Timur Rodriguez (born 1979), showman, singer and TV personality

Journalists

• Chingiz Mustafayev (1960–1992), journalist posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan

Military

• Habibullah Huseynov, Soviet colonel and Hero of the Soviet Union

Musicians

• Asaf Zeynally (1909–1932), composer, founder of the romance in Azerbaijani music and Azerbaijani children's music

Politicians

• Geydar Dzhemal (born 1947), philosopher, politician and social activist
• Georgiy Mamedov (born 1947), diplomat
• Tofig Zulfugarov (born 1959), politician

Scientists, mathematicians, and medical professionals

• Chingis Izmailov (1944–2011), psychophysiologist

Sports

• Tamilla Abassova (born 1982), Olympic silver medalist
• Emin Garibov (born 1990), artistic gymnast
• Ayaz Guliyev (born 1996), footballer
• Qadir Huseynov (born 1986), chess grandmaster
• Emin Mahmudov (born 1992), footballer
• Ramiz Mamedov (born 1992), footballer
• Aleksandr Samedov (born 1984), footballer
• Ramil Sheydayev (born 1996), footballer

Armenia

Artists

• Mirza Kadym Irevani (1825–1875), ornamentalist artist and portraitist

Film industry

• Farman Karimzade (1937–1989), writer, screenwriter and film director
• Huseyn Seyidzadeh (1907–1983), film director

Military

• Etibar Hajiyev (1971–1992), soldier
• Habib bey Salimov (1881–1920), Major–General of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

Musicians

• Ashig Alasgar (1821–1926), poet and folk singer
• Said Rustamov (1907–1983), composer and conductor

Politicians

• Ismat Abbasov (born 1954), politician
• Avaz Alakbarov (born 1952), politician and economist
• Aziz Aliyev (1896–1962), politician
• Ogtay Asadov (born 1955), politician
• Zulfi Hajiyev (1935–1991), politician
• Shahin Mustafayev (born 1965), politician
• Akbar agha Sheykhulislamov (1891–1961), politician

Scientists

• Heydar Huseynov (1908–1950), philosopher
• Mammad agha Shahtakhtinski (1846–1931), linguist and politician
• Mustafa Topchubashov (1895–1981), surgeon and academician

Sports

• Ramazan Abbasov (born 1983), footballer
• Samir Aliyev (born 1979), footballer
• Rovshan Huseynov (born 1975), boxer
• Khagani Mammadov (born 1976), footballer
• Vitaliy Rahimov (born 1984), wrestler

Writers

• Farman Karimzade (1937–1989), writer, screenwriter and film director
• Hidayat Orujov (born 1944), writer and politician

United Kingdom

• Elyar Fox (born 1995), singer, musician and songwriter
• Nigar Jamal (born 1980), singer
• Donald Swann (1923–1994), composer, musician and entertainer
• Sami Yusuf (born 1980), singer

United States

• Nima Arkani-Hamed (born 1972), theoretical physicist
• Sona Aslanova (1924–2011), soprano singer
• Nik Caner-Medley (born 1983), basketball player
• Sibel Edmonds (born 1970), translator and founder of the National Security Whistleblowers Coalition
• Chingiz Sadykhov (1929–2017), pianist
• Norm Zada (born 1954), founder of Perfect 10 magazine

Other places

Belarus

• Natik Bagirov (born 1964), judoka
• Leila Ismailava (born 1989), journalist
• Kamandar Madzhidov (born 1961), Olympic, world and European wrestling champion
• Rashad Mammadov (born 1974), judoka

Iraq

• Fuzuli (1494–1556), poet and thinker
• Nasimi (1369–1417), mystical poet
• Amel Senan (born 1966), actress

France

• Robert Hossein (1927–2020), film actor, director, and writer
• Irène Mélikoff (1917–2009), turkologist

Hungary

• Gábor Kubatov (born 1966), politician

Spain

• Eddy Pascual (born 1992), footballer

Turkmenistan

• Hajibala Abutalybov (born 1944), mayor of Baku
• Elnur Hüseynov (born 1987), singer
• Tahira Tahirova (1913–1991), politician

Ukraine

• Oleh Babayev (1965–2014), politician and mayor of Kremenchuk
• Fatma Gadri (1907–1968), actress
• Pavlo Pashayev (born 1988), footballer

Uzbekistan

• Stalic Khankishiev (born 1968), chef
• Movlud Miraliyev (born 1974), judoka

See also

• List of companies of Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijani people
• Iranian Azerbaijanis

References

Notes

External links